Comparing: Cruiser Mk. III vs. Pz.Kpfw. 38H 735 (f) vs. Pz.Kpfw. II

The vehicle was developed on the basis of the M1931 Christie tanks, purchased by the British Army in 1936. The vehicle was intended to be a fast, lightly-armored breakthrough tank. The modified design was deemed successful and became the basis for other cruiser tanks. A total of 65 vehicles were built. They saw combat in France and North Africa in 1940–1941.

In May 1940 the French Army had more than 800 vehicles of this type, most of which were captured by the German forces. They were widely used by the Wehrmacht to supplement existing armor.

The last modification of the light Pz. II tank. The vehicle featured enhanced armor, the 2 cm KwK 38 gun and improved observation devices. A total of 524 vehicles were built from March 1941 through December 1942.